Got an HPD Violation? Here’s What It Means & How to Fix It Fast

That pink or orange slip from HPD just landed on your property. Your stomach drops. You’re staring at violation codes, deadlines, and legal jargon that makes zero sense.

Here’s the truth: HPD violations aren’t just paperwork headaches. They’re ticking time bombs that can spiral into hefty fines, tenant lawsuits, and serious legal trouble. But before you panic, know this—most violations are completely fixable when you understand what you’re dealing with and act fast.

We’ll break down exactly:

• What Class A, B, and C violations actually mean (in plain English)
• The real deadlines you need to hit for each violation type
• Step-by-step fixes that get inspectors off your back

Keep reading if you want to turn that violation notice from a crisis into a checklist.

HPD Violation Classes Explained (Without the Legal Mumbo-Jumbo)

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) issues violations in three categories, and each one packs a different punch. Understanding which class you’re dealing with determines your next move—and how fast you need to make it.

Class A Violations: Non-Hazardous

Class A violations are the least severe category. Think of them as HPD’s way of saying “fix this before it becomes a real problem.”

Common Class A violations include:

• Missing or broken window locks
• Peeling paint in non-lead paint apartments
• Minor plumbing leaks that don’t affect habitability
• Broken doorknobs or cabinet hardware
• Small holes in walls (under 1 square foot)

These violations won’t put anyone in immediate danger, but they still need attention. HPD considers them “technical violations”—basically maintenance issues that slipped through the cracks.

Note: even minor violations can escalate if ignored by the landlord or managing agent.

Class B Violations: Hazardous Conditions That Need Quick Action

Class B violations mean HPD found something potentially dangerous. These aren’t emergencies yet, but they could become serious if ignored.

You’ll see Class B violations for:

• Mold growth in bathrooms or kitchens
• Broken smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors
• Inadequate heat or hot water (but not during winter)
• Rat or mouse infestations
• Broken fire escape windows
• Electrical outlet problems

The key difference? These violations create conditions that could harm tenants if left unfixed. HPD takes them seriously, and so should you. Failure to address these can result in civil penalties.

Class C Violations: Immediately Hazardous (Drop Everything Now)

Class C violations are red-alert emergencies. HPD considers these conditions immediately dangerous to life, health, or safety.

These violations trigger HPD’s most aggressive enforcement. Inspectors may return multiple times, and the city can make emergency repairs—then bill you triple the cost. The law allows them to take immediate action.

Critical Deadlines from the New York City Department You Can’t Afford to Miss

HPD doesn’t mess around with deadlines. Miss them, and you’re looking at fines, liens, and potential court appearances. Here’s exactly when you need to act.

Class A Violation Timeline

Certification Deadline: 90 days

You get three months to fix Class A violations and certify completion. Sounds generous? It’s not. Here’s why:

• Day 1-30: Schedule repairs and get permits (if needed)
• Day 31-60: Complete the actual work
• Day 61-90: File your certification with HPD

Pro tip: Don’t wait until day 89. HPD’s online services system crashes constantly, and “technical difficulties” won’t save you from fines.

Class B Violation Timeline

Certification Deadline: 30 days

One month flies by when you’re dealing with Class B violations. Your timeline looks like this:

• Week 1: Assess the violation and hire contractors
• Week 2-3: Complete repairs (factor in contractor delays)
• Week 4: Photograph everything and file certification

The 30-day clock starts when HPD issues the violation—not when you receive it by mail. Check the violation date, not your mailbox date.

Class C Violation Timeline

Certification Deadline: 24 hours

Yes, you read that right. One day. For most Class C violations, you have 24 hours to correct the condition or prove you’ve started emergency repairs. This isn’t about full completion—it’s about immediate action.

What counts as “correction” within 24 hours:

• Restoring heat or hot water
• Securing dangerous areas
• Providing temporary fixes (space heaters, portable water)
• Hiring emergency contractors and providing proof

After the 24-hour mark, you typically get 21 days to complete permanent repairs and certify. But that first 24 hours? That’s when HPD decides whether to contact emergency services or pursue immediate court action.

The Hidden Deadline Nobody Talks About

Beyond certification deadlines, there’s another date that matters: reinspection windows.

HPD can reinspect:

• Class A violations: After 90 days
• Class B violations: After 30 days
• Class C violations: Immediately (yes, the next day)

Failed reinspections trigger automatic fines starting at $250-$1,500 per violation. And they compound daily.

Step-by-Step Fixes That Get Inspectors Off Your Back

Getting HPD violations dismissed isn’t about luck—it’s about following the right process. We’ll walk through exactly what works for each violation class, including the documentation that makes inspectors sign off without a second thought.

Fixing Class A Violations (The Right Way)

Class A violations seem simple, but sloppy fixes lead to failed reinspections. Here’s your bulletproof approach.

Step 1: Document the violation thoroughly

Before touching anything, photograph the violation from multiple angles. Date-stamp these photos. You’ll need them later to prove the condition existed. Too many property owners skip this step and regret it when HPD questions whether the violation was real.

Take wide shots showing the room context and close-ups of the actual defect. If it’s a plumbing leak, capture the water damage pattern. For broken locks, show how the mechanism fails. These photos become your insurance policy against inspector disputes.

Step 2: Source the right materials

Matching materials exactly matters more than you think. HPD inspectors notice when your “repair” sticks out like a sore thumb. That mismatched paint sheen or wrong-sized outlet cover signals rushed work.

Keep all receipts—HPD wants proof you used proper materials. For any work involving potential lead paint areas, use RRP-certified contractors only. Yes, they cost more. No, you can’t skip this requirement under the law.

Step 3: Make the repair

The fix itself is usually straightforward. But here’s what trips people up:

Small holes need proper backing, or they’ll crack again within months. Peeling paint requires complete surface prep—shortcuts guarantee reinspection failure. When replacing hardware, consistency across the unit shows professional attention to detail.

Step 4: Create your evidence package

Your documentation makes or breaks the certification. Organize everything chronologically:

• Before photos (dated)
• During-repair photos showing proper technique
• After photos from the same angles
• Receipts for all materials
• Contractor invoices (if applicable)

Create a single PDF with clear labels. Make it easy for HPD to verify your work without question.

Step 5: File your certification

Log in to HPD Online, select the violation, upload your evidence, and certify completion. The system times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so prepare everything offline first. Screenshot your confirmation—the system often “loses” submissions, and you’ll need proof you filed on time.

Tackling Class B Violations Without Breaking the Bank

Class B violations demand more sophisticated fixes and tighter deadlines. You’ve got 30 days, but complex repairs eat up time fast.

Step 1: Assess the full scope

Class B violations often reveal bigger problems. That mold in the bathroom? Could indicate ventilation issues throughout the building. Before starting repairs, investigate whether this is an isolated incident or a building-wide issue.

Check adjacent units for similar conditions. Speak to tenants about ongoing problems. A pattern of violations suggests systemic issues that need comprehensive solutions, not band-aids.

Step 2: Implement immediate temporary measures

While arranging permanent fixes, show good faith. HPD appreciates seeing immediate action, even if the full repair takes time. Deploy industrial dehumidifiers for mold issues. Install temporary battery-powered detectors while waiting for hardwired installations. Set up space heaters during heating system repairs.

Document these temporary measures with photos and tenant acknowledgments. They prove you took the violation seriously from day one.

Step 3: Execute permanent repairs

Each Class B violation type requires specific approaches:

• For Mold Violations: Start by identifying and fixing the moisture source. Mold always indicates water intrusion—find it first, or the mold returns. Common culprits include roof leaks, plumbing issues, and poor ventilation. Once you’ve stopped the water, remove all affected materials. Don’t try to clean moldy drywall or insulation—cut it out completely. Treat remaining surfaces with EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions. When rebuilding, use mold-resistant materials and improve ventilation with properly sized exhaust fans.
• For Detector Violations: Skip the basic $10 detectors. Install 10-year sealed battery units that meet current code requirements. Placement matters: smoke detectors go outside each bedroom and on every level, while CO detectors need to be near sleeping areas. Test each unit and document the test with a video. Provide tenants with written instructions for monthly testing. Include test buttons and explain the different alarm patterns.
• For Pest Violations: Effective pest control requires the triple threat: exclusion, elimination, and monitoring. Seal every entry point with steel wool and caulk—mice can squeeze through dime-sized holes. Remove all food sources and fix water leaks that attract pests. Apply professional-grade treatments, but don’t stop there. Schedule follow-up treatments every two weeks until the problem resolves. Document each visit with detailed reports from your licensed exterminator.

Step 4: Over-document everything

For Class B violations, basic photos won’t cut it. Create a comprehensive file including:

• Detailed repair logs with dates, times, and specifics
• Professional certifications (pest control licenses, mold remediation certificates)
• Tenant acknowledgment forms confirming repairs
• Video walkthroughs showing completed work
• Test results (mold clearance, detector functionality)

This level of documentation feels excessive until it saves you from a failed reinspection and potential lawsuit where you could be sued.

Conquering Class C Violations (When Every Hour Counts)

Class C violations are HPD’s nuclear option. Your response must be swift, thorough, and documented to the minute. These aren’t just repairs—they’re emergencies requiring immediate action.

Step 1: Emergency response (First 24 hours)

The clock starts ticking the moment HPD issues the violation. Within the first two hours, call your emergency contractors. Keep a list of 24/7 providers who answer immediately—relationships with reliable emergency crews save you when disaster strikes.

Notify all affected tenants in writing about the violation and your response plan. Document unsafe conditions with time-stamped photos and video. If the condition threatens life safety, evacuate immediately and document that decision.

Hour 3-6: Temporary remediation

Your goal isn’t complete repair—it’s making the unit habitable NOW. Different violations require different emergency responses:

Hour 7-24: Documentation and communication

File your initial notification with HPD immediately. Don’t wait for perfect documentation—submit what you have and update later. Email the HPD inspection unit directly with photos and your action plan. Get tenant signatures confirming they received temporary measures.

Start the permit process immediately. For true emergencies, work can begin before permits, but you’ll need them ASAP.

Step 2: Permanent repair execution (Days 2-21)

With the immediate crisis handled, shift into high-gear repair mode. This isn’t normal maintenance—it’s a sprint requiring military precision.

Days 2-5: Mobilization

Expedite everything. Pay rush fees for permits. Schedule multiple contractors as backup—assume someone will fail to show. Order materials with overnight shipping, and order extra in case of defects or measurement errors.

If repairs will take more than a few days, arrange tenant relocations. Document all relocation expenses, as they may be recoverable.

Days 6-15: Repair phase

Run the job like a construction site manager. Start work the moment it permits clear. If necessary, run multiple crews in shifts to compress timelines. Visit the site daily to prevent delays and ensure quality.

Photograph progress twice daily from consistent angles. Keep detailed logs of all work performed, materials used, and workers on site. When dealing with lead paint, follow RRP protocols exactly—shortcuts here result in massive civil penalties.

Days 16-21: Verification and certification

Before declaring victory, verify everything works properly. Conduct professional testing where required—lead clearance tests, heat readings throughout the unit, and water quality testing. These reports become your proof of proper remediation.

Get tenant sign-offs on completed work. Walk through the unit together, demonstrating that all systems function properly. Their written acknowledgment prevents later disputes about repair quality.

Compile your massive evidence package: hundreds of photos, all permits, professional certifications, test results, receipts, and tenant confirmations. File certification with redundant documentation—if HPD wants proof, give them overwhelming evidence.

Step 3: The follow-through

Even after certification, Class C violations stay on HPD’s radar. They often trigger follow-up inspections months later. Schedule your own reinspection before HPD arrives. Walk through like an inspector would, checking for any issues that developed post-repair.

Fix any minor issues immediately. That properly repaired ceiling might have developed a small crack from settling—patch it now. Keep all documentation for at least 6 years. HPD has a long memory, and old violations can resurface during future inspections.

The Professional’s Secret Weapon

After dealing with even one HPD violation, you’ll realize manual tracking is a nightmare. Between deadlines, documentation requirements, and reinspection windows, something always falls through the cracks. Miss one deadline, and fines start mounting. Lose one piece of documentation, and your certification gets rejected.

Smart property managers use professional violation management tools to stay ahead. If you’re juggling multiple properties or facing several open violations, you need a system that tracks everything automatically, sends deadline alerts, and organizes your documentation in one place. That’s where ViolationWatch comes in.

How ViolationWatch Transforms HPD Violation Management

Managing HPD violations becomes drastically simpler when you’ve got the right technology backing you up. ViolationWatch continuously monitors all your NYC properties for new violations across every city agency—not just HPD, but DOB, ECB, FDNY, and more.

The moment HPD issues a violation, you know about it.

Think about those brutal Class C deadlines. You’ve got 24 hours to respond, but without instant alerts, you might not even know a violation exists until it’s too late. ViolationWatch changes that completely:

• Real-time WhatsApp alerts to your phone
• Email notifications to your entire team
• Dashboard updates that sync instantly
• Customizable alert rules based on violation severity

Your property manager, super, and contractors all get notified simultaneously. Response time drops from days to minutes.

The Power of Unified Violation Tracking

The platform’s unified dashboard eliminates the chaos of tracking multiple violations across different properties. No more:

• Juggling multiple spreadsheets
• Checking HPD’s website daily
• Missing violations in your portfolio
• Losing track of certification deadlines

When you’re managing 10, 50, or 100+ properties, this level of organization isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Why Property Managers Choose ViolationWatch

The difference between scrambling and systematic violation management comes down to having the right tools. Here’s what sets ViolationWatch apart:

• Automated Violation Tracking:
  • Real-time status updates (no manual checks needed)
  • Automatic deadline calculations
  • Instant dismissal notifications
  • Historical violation data for every property
• Comprehensive Document Management: Upload directly from your phone while on-site. Access everything when filing certifications. Every photo, receipt, and certification lives in one secure location.
• Expert Compliance Support: Sometimes you need guidance beyond software. ViolationWatch connects you with professionals who’ve handled thousands of NYC violations. Get answers when you’re stuck.
• Scalable Solutions: Whether you manage one brownstone or 200 buildings, the system adapts without overwhelming you with unnecessary features.

See How ViolationWatch Works

Getting started takes minutes, not hours. Here’s the simple step process:

Step 1: Sign up and add your properties

Just enter the address—ViolationWatch pulls all existing violation data automatically.

Step 2: Continuous monitoring begins

AI-powered scanning checks for new violations every hour across all NYC agencies.

Step 3: Instant alerts keep you informed

Customizable notifications ensure the right people know about violations immediately.

Step 4: Take action before fines escalate

Use built-in tools to track repairs, store documents, and file certifications on time.

Smart Features That Save Time (and Money)

ViolationWatch includes powerful features specifically designed for HPD violation management:

Transparent Pricing That Pays for Itself

Here’s the reality: one missed HPD violation can cost thousands in fines, legal fees, and emergency repairs.

ViolationWatch costs just $9.99 per property per month.

That’s less than:

• A single late fee on most violations
• One hour of attorney consultation
• The daily fine for a missed Class B violation
• Coffee for your property management team

Start with a free trial to see the difference:

• No credit card required
• No contracts or commitments
• Add unlimited team members

For property managers handling HPD violations daily, the math is simple. The time saved, fines avoided, and stress eliminated add up to massive value.

Your Next Move

HPD violations won’t stop coming. Every day without a proper tracking system is another day risking:

• Missed deadlines
• Mounting fines
• Failed reinspections
• Tenant complaints
• Legal complications

Whether you’re drowning in current violations or want to prevent future headaches, taking control starts now.

You’ve learned:

✓ What each violation class means

✓ The critical deadlines you face

✓ Exactly how to fix each type

✓ How technology transforms compliance

Now it’s time to implement a system that makes compliance automatic, not accidental.

Stop letting HPD violations control your schedule. Take charge with the tools and knowledge to handle any violation confidently. Your properties, your tenants, and your bottom line will thank you.

Stop Playing Violation Roulette

You’ve got the blueprint for handling HPD violations like a pro. No more panic when that pink slip arrives. You know exactly what each class means, which deadlines matter, and how to fix violations fast. Here’s what changes everything:

• Class A, B, and C violations each demand different response speeds—24 hours for emergencies versus 90 days for minor repairs
• Documentation beats disputes every time—photograph everything, keep receipts, create evidence packages that make inspectors sign off without questions
• Temporary fixes buy you time on Class C violations—space heaters, plastic sheeting, and emergency contractors keep you compliant while arranging permanent repairs
• Missing deadlines costs more than repairs—one blown certification triggers fines starting at $250 that compound daily

Managing violations manually means something always slips through. That’s why smart property managers use ViolationWatch—automated tracking, instant alerts, and deadline reminders that turn compliance chaos into clockwork. Start your free trial today.